Mata do Canário

Mata do Canário is an 11.7-kilometre crossing from the uplands of the Sete Cidades massif to the village on the caldera floor. The start beside Muro das Nove Janelas introduces the area’s hydraulic heritage: a stone-arched aqueduct runs through wet ground where springs and streams were harnessed for water supply.

Beyond Japanese cedar woodland, the trail climbs towards Pico da Cruz and reaches the rim. Here the walk expands in scale. Lagoa Azul, small interior lakes and cultivated crater slopes lie to one side; in clear weather, both the northern and southern coasts of São Miguel can be picked out on the other. Patches of forest and pasture alternate along the crest, with elements of native Azorean vegetation surviving on less disturbed banks.

The long progression along the ridge gradually approaches the sector shared with the Vista do Rei trail. Its closing section leaves the heights and descends Caminho dos Arrebentões into Sete Cidades. That transition—from upland waterworks and forest to the lakeside settlement—captures the route’s variety. A medium rating and estimated three-hour duration reflect its length, exposed rim and final descent rather than any technical passage.

Set out beside Muro das Nove Janelas and follow the marked track through Mata do Canário. Climb towards Pico da Cruz until reaching the rim road, then continue on its main line with Lagoa Azul inside the caldera. Ignore side farm accesses and stay with the waymarks to the junction with PR03SMI, Vista do Rei. From there, take the signed descent along Caminho dos Arrebentões into Sete Cidades. This is a linear route, so arrange collection or transport between start and finish. Allow about three hours for the 11.7-kilometre crossing and keep a margin of daylight to the finish, including time for signed branches and stops.